F1: Here’s When, Where and How to Watch 2025 Formula 1 Bahrain Pre-season Test in India

Formula 1 is back, and all 20 drivers are ready for pre-season testing in Bahrain. From 26 to 28 February, teams will run their new cars from 10 am to 7 pm local time, with each team allowed just one car. Drivers will take turns behind the wheel, splitting track time evenly. This three-day test is crucial for ironing out key issues like tyre wear, fuel consumption, and brake temperatures before the season begins. Reigning champion Max Verstappen is chasing a fifth straight title, but fierce competition awaits. Mercedes' George Russell, Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, and McLaren’s Lando Norris are all ready to challenge.

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Bahrain's pre-season test will provide the first real look at the 2025 pecking order, giving teams and fans a glimpse of who has the edge before the season kicks off.

F1: What Happens at Pre-season Testing?

Before the Formula One season begins, teams put their new cars through intense pre-season testing. Over three days, they focus on reliability, aerodynamics, and handling, gathering as much data as possible. Unlike a race, where speed is the priority, this phase is about fine-tuning every detail. Engineers and drivers test different setups, software, and configurations to maximise performance before the first Grand Prix.

Pre-season testing is like a workshop where teams refine their machines, ensuring they are race-ready. Every lap provides insights, helping teams uncover strengths and fix weaknesses. With no restrictions on adjustments, this phase is crucial for shaping the season ahead. It's not just practice—it's where F1 teams lay the groundwork for success.

F1: Where to Watch Pre-season Testing in India?

Three days of pre-season Formula 1 testing in Bahrain will be streamed live worldwide. Fans can watch the action on multiple platforms, making it easy to follow the latest updates.

In India, viewers can tune into FanCode and F1TV for live coverage. Both platforms require a subscription, giving fans exclusive access to real-time data and insights from the testing sessions.

F1: Does it Reflect a True Assessment of Competition?

Preseason testing is not a clear predictor of the final grid, but it reveals performance trends from the previous season. Teams analyse data to find strengths, fix weaknesses, and spot rival improvements.

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While the results are not precise, they provide valuable insights. Teams use this information to adjust strategies and prepare for the real competition ahead.